Pantala hymenaea
(Say, 1839)
Spot-winged Glider
Libellulidae, Skimmer Family
Status-Global/State:
Distinguishing Characteristics:
This brownish dragonfly is best known for its gliding flying style, much like the wandering glider. The hindwings form an elongated triangle, longer than abdomen, broad at base and reaching halfway down the abdomen. The abdomen is tapered and mottled gray-brown. The face is yellow to orange. Mature males have red faces.
Description of Habitat/Range:
This species is common in United States and southern Canada. It is common in southwest, while it is mostly migratory elsewhere. Primarily, the spot-winged glider prefers temporary ponds and pools in the open, including brackish waters. But it also can be seen over fields, clearings, etc, well away from water. It is infrequently seen at scattered locations throughout Wisconsin.
Flight Season:
Late June to mid-September in Wisconsin.
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
1%
(1)
(1)
31%
(38)
(38)
42%
(52)
(52)
21%
(26)
(26)
6%
(7)
(7)
Shading illustrates monthly percentages of the total flight season records for the species.
Each flight season record is a unique date/location/observer combination where one or more adult or an
exuvia was recorded (excludes nymphs). The actual number of flight season records for each month is shown
in parentheses.
Flight seasons begin earlier in the southern part of the state, often by a week or more. Also, flight charts may not be accurate for rare species because of few data available.
Flight seasons begin earlier in the southern part of the state, often by a week or more. Also, flight charts may not be accurate for rare species because of few data available.
(Click on photos to enlarge)
Male spot-winged glider. © Dan Jackson
Male spot-winged glider. © Dan Jackson
Close-up of male spot-winged glider face. © Dan Jackson
Close-up of male spot-winged glider thorax. © Dan Jackson
Female spot-winged glider. © John & Cindy Anderson
Immature female spot-winged glider. © Dan Jackson